September 2007

Kyo-Ya Hotels & Resorts is considering plans to install three T-shaped rock groins and widen the beach fronting the Sheraton Waikiki as part of a larger upgrade to its properties.

If Kyo-Ya goes with their proposal of installing the 3 T-shaped rock groins, this will affect the surf break at Pops which in my mind is the best place to surf in Waikiki. I seriously hope this will not happen and oppose with George Downing who is strongly against this proposal.

To the die-hard surfers here, please oppose this proposal! Read news article here.

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It was indeed a nice experience to see the Thunderbird jets flying so closely above the water this afternoon at Pops. The sound was incredible and the smell of the burning fuel was evident. The best one was the one that flew between Sheraton Waikiki and Pops in a side angle. Now that was very close… I was able to see the red after-burner and the pilot giving the “shaka”. Lots of people gathered near the shorelines to observe this rare show. Unfortunately, the weather was showery and cloudy throughout the event, and I guess they had to cancel the rest of the air-show for safety purposes. Overall, it was a spectacular event. Kando shimashita. I also met Kazoo at Pops who I haven’t seen for years. His daughter will be attending college here. How many years have passed already?

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Developers of a retail project in East Kapolei are targeting big-name tenants such as a Wal-Mart Supercenter, Macy’s department store and AMC Theatres as prospective tenants for what is planned to be Hawaii’s second-largest shopping center. The target tenants for Florida-based DeBartolo Development’s 1.5 million-square-foot regional mall include Victoria’s Secret, Pottery Barn and Swedish-based clothing manufacturer H&M, among other retailers not yet in Hawaii, according to the developer’s site plan.

The city of Kapolei will be the 2nd Honolulu in the foreseeable future. Lots of activities are already happening here in terms of residential and commercial developments, and this area is garnered more towards the local market. There are plans for hotels too. This new Makana Alii mall will be the 2nd biggest mall after the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Prospective tenants include: Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, Longs Drug Stores, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Everything but Water, Rip Curl, Aldo, Arden B, H&M, Fox Sports Grill, 24 Hour Fitness, Room & Board, West Elm (junior anchor), Barnes & Noble, Forever 21, Sunsights by Solstice, Levi’s, Steve Madden, Gap, Aeropostale, Abercrombie & Fitch, California Pizza Kitchen, Haagen-Dazs, Lush Cosmetics, Lids, Lululemon Athletica, Dolce, Fossil, Quiksilver, AMC Theatres, King Pin Bowling, Hawaiian Island Creations, Ketchup, Macy’s (major anchor), Rosa Mexicano, Yard House Grill, Aveda Spa & Salon, Cold Stone Creamery, Na Hoku, Bank of America, Verizon, Papyrus, LensCrafters, Panera Bread, Banana Republic, Jos. A. Bank, White House Black Market, Ann Taylor Loft, Lucky Jeans, Sephora, Puma, Kabuki, Victoria’s Secret, Pottery Barn, Honolulu Coffee Co., Johnny Rockets, Locals Only, DSW, Destination Maternity, Pottery Barn Kids, and Wal-Mart Supercenter. Read news article here.

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The downtown Honolulu restaurant is the first of four Salad Creations stores expected to open this year. The second is projected to open in November at Waikiki Shopping Plaza, followed by stores in December at Koko Marina Center in Hawai’i Kai and Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki.

A very healthy alternative and a nutritious restaurant will be opening throughout Oahu. For those of you who love the many good salads available on Oahu, go and try the new Salad Creations! Personally, I am a big fan of salads. There are some fine places in Downtown, Honolulu. Read news article here.

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The island favorite Genki Sushi restaurant will open at the Ward Centre this coming fall. The new location will feature 100-seat capacity. Read news article here.

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It was again a nice weekend of surfing. The waves have gotten smaller, but the light and variable winds during the early morning hours produced clean and calm condition at Pops. I have been quite active now trying to surf the weekends. Seeing my old friends and getting to also know the new crowd is a wonderful experience. Looks like the next minor south swell will hit this coming Friday.

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It has been a really nice 3-day surf session. The surf has finally gotten down today with very few sets moving in. Although it was not as big as couple of days ago, the warm and sunny weather continued for the beginning of September. In the last 3 days of surfing at Pops, I have noticed the presence of paddle boarders. These are the people who stand on the 11 – 12 ft boards with a paddle. They are fairly a new crowd learning and stabilizing their technique. I guess balancing is the most crucial part of this new sport as I saw some guys falling when turning too quickly to catch the wave or a late take-off wipe out. What’s my take? I prefer the water than the wind…

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Since last week, the delightful waves continued to greet the surfers at Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Ala Moana. Pops was ranging in the 1 – 3 ft range this morning and was quite good. I have been more positive to go out often especially on the weekends. Not to mention, I have just bought my first long-sleeve wet suit today.

It’s Matuse – Chapter 1 product and unlike a regular wet suit, it’s made up of a geoprene material. Basically, it’s made from over 99.7% limestone which keeps it warmer (retains heat longer), more flexible, lighter, and not from petroleum (kinder to mother nature). Having said that I am out tomorrow and also on Monday (Labor Day). See you out there. Surf’s up!

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